I never met him, and I never saw him in person, but it's fair to say that Pope Francis profoundly shaped my life and ministry. When I learned of his passing Monday morning, I was filled with sadness, but gratitude. During his time as pope I learned that you don’t need a title to be a leader in the Church—you need a witness.
Pope Francis showed us this time and time again. Whether it was washing prisoners’ feet, embracing the sick, or speaking gently to the world’s pain, he modeled something that every leader in the parish—clergy or lay, paid or volunteer—can learn from.
As we mourn the loss of our Holy Father, I think it's important to reflect on what he taught us. Here are four leadership traits inspired by Pope Francis that every catechetical leader should embrace.
“True power is service.” – Pope Francis
Too often we believe that leadership requires projecting control, certainty, and authority. But Pope Francis reminds us that humility is central to Gospel leadership. It doesn’t mean being passive—it means putting others first. One of the most important things I’ve learned is that leadership is about accompaniment—walking with those who serve alongside you.
That means being vulnerable, sharing my witness and building trust. Embracing humility means acknowledging when you are wrong, and identifying what you have to learn. It's creating a space for others to do the same. When you lead that way, you build trust—and that trust will take you far.
“I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets.” – Pope Francis
Francis didn’t wait for people to show up. As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he went into the slums, listened to drug addicts and the poor, and showed up in the mess. That’s where trust is built.
It’s not enough to listen only to those in the pews—we need to hear from those who’ve never walked through the doors. Who lives on the fringes of your community? Who is not represented in your parish, but lives amongst you?
Leaving the doors open and hoping people come because you have great programs or music isn’t enough. Be present outside of the church building. Show up to games, school events, and local hangouts—not to promote a program, but to build relationships.
“Each of us is a mission, planned by the Father to reflect and embody, at a specific moment in history, a certain aspect of the Gospel.” – Pope Francis
Francis has always spoken about the deep dignity and purpose found in every human being. He reminds us that no one is an accident or a project—we are all a mission, a part of God’s plan to bring light to the world. That mindset transforms how we see others.
This can be hard because in ministry we can deal with difficult people. Maybe it's the parent who insists their child's sacramental prep be perfect, the super volunteer who is undermining your leadership or the teen who constantly disrupts their small groups.
Every person who walks into your ministry is carrying wounds and hope. See them as a child of God, and someone He has put into your life for a reason. Don't treat them as problems to fix, but someone to accompany along the journey. Be curious about their story, and trust that God’s grace is already at work.
“Let us not forget that true power, at whatever level, is service.” – Pope Francis
Francis encourages us to see leadership as a means of calling forth the gifts in others. Whether it’s recognizing someone’s charism for teaching or hospitality, or inviting a reluctant volunteer to take a step, leaders multiply leaders.
One of the most important responsibilities you have as a leader is to invest in other people's gifts. Create low-barrier opportunities for them to serve and grow. Hand off the keys to leadership. Coach them. Cheer them on. Watch them grow. When your ministry can invest in other leaders it fuels a future focused Church.
I know I’ll miss Pope Francis—but more than anything, I’m grateful for what he showed us about leadership, mercy, and hope. He modeled a Church that leads with mercy, moves toward the margins, and raises others up. For more on Pope Francis and how he models leadership I recommend the following books:
Start small. Stay humble. Lead like Christ.